Reflections on the case for funding
The work of the prison education programs is a living, evolving example of the Jesuit commitment to the power of education to transform individuals and society. “As companions in a mission of reconciliation and justice, we are invited to be co-laborers in mercy,” Fr. Curran, S.J., Coordinator for JPEN wrote. “We are called to be in a right relationship with the Divine, our neighbors, and our created world. Prison education is a means for pursuing this relationship.” The programs echo St. Ignatius Loyola’s call to minister at the margins, to live up to the Jesuit ideal of educating the whole person, to inspire students to change the world for the better, and to break cycles of poverty and imprisonment.
Research shows that educational programs do more than bolster self-esteem or good behavior. In a 2013 analysis by the RAND Corporation and the U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance, recidivism among those who participated in educational opportunities while incarcerated was estimated to be 43 percent lower than that of the overall inmate population, and those participants were also much more likely to maintain employment upon release. And measured against the costs of reincarceration, educational opportunities like those provided by the JPEN partners are cost-effective ways to reduce recidivism rates.
Funders support prison education for a variety of reasons, which often reflect their values, beliefs, and goals. Many donors indicate that prison education aligns with their missions to promote social justice, rehabilitation, and reduced recidivism. Funders understand that by investing in education and training programs for incarcerated individuals, it can create a more just and equitable society while contributing to safer communities and lower long-term societal costs. Additionally, many funders often base their funding decisions on evidence-based practices and are acutely aware of the positive impact education makes on reducing recidivism rates, improving community re-integration, enhancing workforce skills, and enhancing post-release outcomes. Ultimately, funding support reflects a commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of incarcerated individuals and the broader community.